Thomas Phillip (Phil, Buddy) Story

Thomas Phillip (Phil, Buddy) Story, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2024, with his wife by his side following a courageous 20 plus year journey with cancer that he managed with dignity and grace. He was born on November 10, 1953, in Tuskegee, Alabama.

Phil, nicknamed Buddy by his dad, lived his parents' belief that "hard work earns respect". At an early age, he had a "farmer's drivers' license" to operate tractors and other heavy equipment, and on occasion, chauffeur his dad. During his high school years, his jobs with Bentley Grassing taught him responsibility, problem solving, and "to do whatever had to be done to get the job done" - all while he enjoyed working alongside friends. At Macon Academy, Phil played the positions of quarterback and left field, as well as other positions, and learned the value of teamwork and commitment. His family's tradition of service to our country resonated with Phil and he enlisted in the US Navy. Aboard the USS Miller he toured the Mediterranean at the end of the Vietnam conflict. Returning home, Phil worked at the US Postal Service for over 35 years in jobs from clerk to management at Tuskegee, Dadeville, Bessemer, Opelika and Montgomery, among other cities.

Phil believed and lived by principles of faith, honor, loyalty, integrity and courage. He could be described as one that talked less but said more. He was always happy working the land on his tractors, mending fences, and attending to his horses on his property in Loachapoka - doing it all in the cowboy way. Phil served in various leadership roles at Armstrong Methodist Church. He understood and found solace in his favorite verse: 2 Timothy 4:7 "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Phil is lovingly remembered by his wife of 41 years Daria Doster Story of Auburn; his brother Earl (Dana) Story of Chattanooga, his sisters Linda (Glenn) Newsome of Society Hill, and Nancy (Mike) Griggs of Tuskegee; his sisters-in-law Deb (Drew) Barnett and Dawn Lane of Auburn; and a host of relatives and friends. He is predeceased in death by his parents Tommy and Mary Frances Story of Tuskegee.

A memorial service to commemorate Phil's "home going" will be held on Tuesday, July 30 at 3:00 PM at Cypress Hill venue, 8015 County Road 53 (Wire Road), Auburn, followed by a reception to celebrate his life. Honorary pallbearers are Donnie Baker, Jimmy Barham, Charles Bell, Phil Knieriem, John Mitchell, Enrique Morales, Jerry Nix, Jimmy Rothwein, Howie Thomas, Everett Wilson and J.W. Yarbrough.

Memorial donations may be made to CARE Humane Society, 1140 Ware Drive, Auburn 36832, or to the charity of your choice.

The family expresses their deep gratitude to Dr. Paul Mansfield and team at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, for their long-term dedication and support to Phil's care and wellbeing, and more recently to the staff of the Spencer Cancer Center.